The Courtroom

Question 1

What are the reasons for a court hierarchy?

Answer 1

• It allows for specialisation between specific cases.
• enables the parties to appeal to a higher court.
• enables the doctrine of precedent

Question 2

Jurisdiction

Answer 2

The right or power of a court to apply the law and deal with particular cases

Question 3

Original jurisdiction

Answer 3

When a court is hearing a case for the first time

Question 4

Appellate jurisdiction

Answer 4

When the court is reviewing an original decision

Question 5

What is the role and jurisdiction of the magistrates court?

Answer 5

• Lowest court
• Able to hear summary offences and indictable offences heard summarily
• Holds committal proceedings

Question 6

What is the role and jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court

Answer 6

• Investigates any unexpected, sudden or suspicious death.
• Hold inquests
• Question witnesses

Question 7

Role and jurisdiction of the county court

Answer 7

• Hears most indictable offences excluding murder, attempted murder and certain conspiracies and corporate offences.
• Hears cases including manslaughter, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape and assault.
• Appeals from magistrates’

Question 8

Role and jurisdiction of Supreme Court

Answer 8

• Two divisions
• Hears murder, attempted murder, treason, terrorism, serious drug charges.
• Hears appeals from magistrates

Question 9

Role of the Court of Appeal

Answer 9

-hears appeals from supreme and county court.

Question 10

Role and jurisdiction of the high court

Question 11

Role of the full bench of the high court

Answer 11

• Interpret the Constitution

- depart from previous decision

Question 12

Role of the full court of the high court

Answer 12

-Hears appeals of supreme courts of states, family court and federal court.

Question 13

What is a committal proceeding?

Answer 13

A series of hearings that will determine whether a case is ready for trial in the county or supreme courts

Question 14

What are summary offences?

Answer 14

Minor crimes that include any offence under a subordinate law or local law.

Question 15

What are indictable offences?

Answer 15

Serious offences that include common law offences

Question 16

What are indictable offences heard summarily?

Answer 16

Indictable offences that are listed in the Criminal Procedures Act 2009 that are punishable by 10 years or less in prison or a fine of $120,000 or less